of teens, videogames and cancer

Counselling, chemotherapies and support groups, just a few of the many ways on how a person could cope when they have the disease. But videogames?

Developed by a cancer researcher herself, Pam Omidyar believes that by educating young cancer patients about their disease, telling them how the treatments work and encouraging them to take an active role in fighting cancer, it gives them more hope and understanding about what’s going on.

Although some believe that it is more than just educating the patients, it is making them feel alive again rather than just waiting…

In a preliminary study by HopeLab, researchers gave 375 male cancer patients, ages 13 to 29, computers that were installed with Re-Mission and another popular video game. Besides being played by more than 80 percent of the patients, three months after receiving the computers, the patients that played Re-Mission were found to have high levels of self-esteem and increased knowledge about their disease. Even better, those who played Re-Mission had higher blood levels of chemotherapy and higher rates of antibiotic use, suggesting that they were better adhering to their cancer treatment.

In addition to the video game, HopeLab has also set up an internet-based community, where young cancer patients can talk to each other about their treatments, complain about side effects, post artwork and suggest tips to help make treatment a little more bearable. Combined with the video game, this site ensures that teens do not feel alone with their disease.

Read more about this medical videogame